Monday, April 20, 2015

On Ongoing Learning : Zen Pencil's "A Lifetime of Learning" by Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) is probably best known for his contributions to science fiction, although his 500+ books covered fiction and non-fiction while entertaining, enlightening and influencing his varied fans and readers. While most noted for his science fiction (The Foundation Series, The Three Laws of Robotics, Nightfall, I Robot), he wrote mysteries, fantasies, etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms, and non-fiction (mostly on astronomy but some covered Shakespeare, the Bible and mythology, general science, math, history and physics. His books have been published in 9 of the 10 major Dewey Decimal Classification categories. He was a professor of biochemistry at Boston University and then later.
http://www.wordsonimages.com/pics/54284-o.jpg
Found at: http://www.wordsonimages.com/pics/54284-o.jpg
Asimov was recognized by the 111th Congress, March 9, 2010 in House Resolution 1055, "supporting the designation of National Robotics Week as an annual event". The following passage appears in the text of the bill:"Whereas the second week in April each year is designated as 'National Robotics Week', recognizing the accomplishments of Isaac Asimov, who immigrated to America, taught science, wrote science books for children and adults, first used the term robotics, developed the Three Laws of Robotics, and died in April, 1992: Now, therefore, be it resolved..."

The ZenPencil comic below was taken from a 1988 interview (which can be seen on YouTube). In this interview, Asimov talks about learning and computers will empower people to learn anything "that strikes their fancy" about religion, population growth, the universe, and more. If you have time, here's a direct link to the interview.


If not, skip past this and enjoy ZenPencil's wonderful rendering of an interview segment on computers and ongoing learning. [Note you can find this and more at: http://zenpencils.com/comic/asimov/]

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Image From: http://zenpencils.com/comic/asimov/



Additional Asimov Resources:
 
 
As always, thank you for your visit.
 
Please leave your impressions and reactions or your own two-cents about ongoing learning in the comments below.

6 comments:

  1. Life is all about learning. We find an opportunity to learn or teach under every rock that we lift.
    Thanks for posting about such an interesting topic.

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  2. A post chock-full of interest...

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  3. Interesting post. I like learning languages but it gets more and more difficult. I forget names and dates. Fortunately there is Google.Thanks for the post.
    Wil, ABCW Team

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  4. Isaac Asimov was a great writer. I had a first edition copy of I Robot. Great book and interesting post. :)

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  5. You are absolutely correct!

    ROG, ABCW

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  6. Asimov was ahead of his time...my paperbacks of the I Robot series are worn and dog-eared♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/off-the-beaten-track/

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